Adult Health Library

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Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol tablets

What is this medicine?

DROSPIRENONE; ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (dro SPY re nown; ETH in il es tra DYE ole) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill). This medicine combines two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. It is used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breast tissue changes or discharge

changes in vision

chest pain

confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

dark urine

general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

light-colored stools

nausea, vomiting

pain, swelling, warmth in the leg

right upper belly pain

severe headaches

shortness of breath

sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

unusual vaginal bleeding

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

his list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medicine for direction. If you miss more than one pill, this medicine may not be as effective and you may need to use another form of birth control.

Where should I keep my medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

abnormal vaginal bleeding

adrenal gland disease

blood vessel disease or blood clots

breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer

diabetes

gallbladder disease

heart disease or recent heart attack

high blood pressure

high cholesterol

high potassium level

kidney disease

liver disease

migraine headaches

stroke

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

tobacco smoker

an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine.

Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.

If you are taking this medicine for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.

Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.

In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine before the surgery. Consult your health care professional for advice.

This medicine does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.

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